Pier 26 NYC Marriage Proposal - Robert and Dani

Congrats to New York City’s newest engaged couple, Robert and Dani!

proposal photographer or weather man?

After a long and cold rainy Fall day, photographing a secret marriage proposal in Lower Manhattan on Pier 26 on the Hudson River was what I needed to brighten the gloomy day. I discreetly photographed Robert and Dani from a fairly close distance prior Robert asking Dani to marry him. Then, when Robert got down on one knee I walked closer.

Photographing proposals in NYC just never gets old!

Post proposal we did a mini-engagement shoot. Just as my shutter snapped the last photo of the session the sky opened up, and it started raining once again.

Gantry Plaza Long Island City - Sunset Proposal

Congrats Danielle and Nick!

The best Lic Marriage proposal photographer is one that comes prepared.

Nick chose Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza for his marriage proposal as the couple lives down the block and they spend most of their free time in the park, along the East River over looking Manhattan. The timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, as the sun set behind New York City on this early Fall evening.

long island city’s gantry plaza captures what makes nyc great. its view of manhattan is a favorite of mine. plus, its rarely busy.

Just as the sun was setting Nick popped the question and Danielle instantly said “YES!”. Prior the big night, I coordinated with Nick on the timing and location of his proposal. I knew I would be loosing lighting throughout the proposal and he wanted to take family photos afterwards as well. So, I brought a small flash.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

BOOK NOW!

Hay Rock Trail Hike - Appalachian Trail Roanoke, Virginia

Quick Saturday morning hike just outside of Roanoke, Virginia to explore part of the Appalachian Trail. This section is referred to as the Hay Rock Trail. Hiking the Hay Rock Trail is 7.8 miles roundtrip from the parking lot and climbs 1500+ feet. The trail offers views overlooking Carvins Cove Natural Preserve and beyond to Roanoke City (Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and downtown Roanoke).

Again we brought wonder dog Arya, a 1.5 year old standard sized Wire-haired Dachshund. This was Ary’s second hike of the week and she crushed it. At the end of the week Arya had conquered 18 miles of hiking and climbed over 2900ft.

McAfee's Knob Sunrise Morning Hike

An early morning sunrise hike on the Appalachian Trail just outside of Roanoke, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains to capture the sunrise at McAfee's Knob. McAfee's Knob is the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking McAfee's Knob is not hard at all. The hike offers two ways up to the top; a fire road of compact dirt and small rocks, and a more rugged trail with roots, big stone steps, and some mud.

blue ridge mountains photography

Hiking with a camera takes some effort. You want to bring your best camera, all of your lenses, a filter or two, and a tripod, but then you realize your hike is 5,8,12,15 mile round trip hike. Packing light when hiking is key. When camping or hiking my outdoor camera setup consists of 1 camera body and 1 lens.

Hiking with a tripod

Although a tripod would’ve been nice on this early morning sunrise hike, it would’ve been heavy and cumbersome to carry. Instead of carrying a tripod for slow exposure shots I always:

  • Find a rock to balance my camera on

  • Increase my ISO

  • Photograph slightly under exposed and increase exposure or shadows in post production

Battery Park NYC Family Photographer

The Best nyc family Photographers are the ones that photograph annual family photos

2020 marked my second year photographing family photos for this Lower Manhattan family. Our annual family photo session always starts with everyone in the apartment and then we take a cab to Battery Park for outdoor family photos, which tend to be more casual. This year we were greeted with perfect mid-September weather and light.

as an nyc family photographer I try to capture what makes your family unique and the amazing place we all call home, NY.

As a family photographer in New York City, I’m always asked where is the best place to take family photos. I personally believe the best location for family photos, especially with younger kids, is a place where everyone is comfortable. It could be the local park (Central Park, Battery Park, Gantry Plaza Park, or the small park down the street) or just on the block where you live.

Family photographers go with the flow

When you go online and see Pinterest or Instagram posts we all get ideas of how we want our family session to look. We also envision how are family session will go, against our better judgement; all smiles under a perfectly blue sky. Well, not everything you see on the internet is true. Most of the time, you just see a highlight reel of the good times, and not the not so fun times. I too was a kid once. In fact, I was really difficult kid.

When photographing younger kids I like to photograph a ton of candid moments. I do give direction throughout the session, but only little suggestions and I never get frustrated when our vision does not go to plan. Letting kids be kids, whether that’s playing or talking to mom and dad as I shoot, is key to having them become comfortable in front of the camera.